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Northern Ireland: Child abuse survivors march on Stormont talks to demand justice

Victims of child abuse marched on the Stormont political talks today to demand justice.

The protest comes three months on from the publication of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report – and the collapse of Northern Ireland Executive.

Victims are angry that there has been no progress in delivering apologies, a redress scheme and support services for victims because of the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland government. They want the political parties and UK government to address the issue in the current Stormont talks.

The abuse survivors handed in a 30-page document and letter calling for action and a start to negotiations with victims, through the Panel of Experts on Redress which represents victims’ groups.

The detailed briefing paper from survivors was launched earlier at an event in Parliament Buildings, and is based on widespread consultation with abuse victims across Northern Ireland.

The report of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry was published in January 2017, just days after the collapse of the power-sharing Executive at Stormont. That has meant there have been no Ministers to act on the recommendations contained in the report.

Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International, which is supporting the victims’ campaign for justice, said:

“Victims of child abuse have been waiting their whole lives for justice. Now they have been hit with further uncertainty and no government, just when they need it most.

“For abuse survivors, justice delayed truly is justice denied. That is why they want the issue to be addressed in the political talks at Stormont.”

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Panel of Experts on Redress position paper April 2017